Author - Jerry Paxton

2024 Knott’s Boysenberry Festival Preview

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds, because the Knott’s Berry Farm Boysenberry Festival is back in 2024, and it’s bigger and better than ever! This beloved springtime tradition celebrates all things boysenberry, the delicious hybrid berry that put Knott’s on the culinary map. Here’s a delicious preview of what you can expect:

A Feast for the Senses

The Boysenberry Festival explodes with vibrant colors and tantalizing aromas. The air is thick with the scents of sweet boysenberry pie, savory barbecue infused with boysenberry sauce, and even the unexpected – imagine boysenberry-flavored funnel cakes! This festival is a foodie’s paradise, with over 80 unique dishes and drinks to try.

From classic boysenberry treats to whimsical new creations, the chefs at Knott’s Berry Farm always develop innovative delicacies sure to please even the pickiest of palates. Adventurous eaters won’t want to miss some of the more daring combinations, like boysenberry pizza or the festival’s unique take on boysenberry sushi rolls.

Tasting Cards: Your Ticket to Flavor

The best way to sample the festival’s bounty is with a tasting card. These cards offer six generous portions from a vast selection of items. It’s the perfect way to explore the full range of flavors and share with friends and family. Get ready for a whirlwind of deliciousness!

Beyond the Food

While the boysenberry treats steal the show, the festival offers so much more. Live entertainment is a staple throughout the park. Catch country bands, swing dancers, and maybe even a strolling mariachi group playing festive music. Plus, browse craft vendors selling unique boysenberry-themed souvenirs and artisanal goodies to bring a taste of the festival home.

Don’t miss the special Boysenberry Museum exhibits, diving into the rich history of this jammy berry and its connection to the Knott family. Take a break from the crowds and wander through the themed Ghost Town area – it transforms into a whimsical scene right out of a boysenberry dream, filled with oversized berry props and charming characters.

Tips for the Savvy Festival-goer

With so much to do, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Here are some insider tips for maximizing the fun:

  • Arrive early to beat the crowds and get first dibs on the most popular treats. Remember, some specialty items might sell out as the day goes on.
  • If possible, consider visiting on a weekday to enjoy shorter lines and a more relaxed atmosphere.
  • With so many tempting options, don’t overload in the first hour! Use your tasting card strategically and savor each bite.
  • With all the flavorful delights, make sure to drink plenty of water – boysenberry lemonade counts!
  • Add to the fun by dressing in purple or boysenberry-inspired attire. You won’t be alone!

Make it a Family Affair

The Knott’s Berry Farm Boysenberry Festival is fantastic for families. Little ones will enjoy dedicated kid-friendly activities, special character meet-and-greets, and a chance to try playful boysenberry treats tailored to their preferences. It’s a great way to make memories while introducing the next generation to this delicious tradition.

The 2024 Knott’s Berry Farm Boysenberry Festival promises a whirlwind of flavor, fun, and celebration. Come experience the joy of a perfect spring day mixed with the delightful taste of the iconic boysenberry. With something delicious for everyone, it’s an event you’ll be savoring long after the last bite.

Titan Quest II Details Sparta in Latest Dev Diary

Ah, Sparta! Home to the finest warriors in all of ancient Greece, a marvel of a city, a true superpower on the Peloponnesian Peninsula, protected by its mighty city walls… wait a second. Wasn’t Sparta famous for its walls being its army only? So why can we see Spartans riding home through a massive wall in Titan Quest II’s announcement trailer?

The latest dev diary for the upcoming action RPG Titan Quest II highlights Sparta and explains how Titan Quest II offers a fantastical twist on the actual ancient reality.

Check out the latest dev diary on Steam: https://t.co/Boq0o8fqRi. For a deep dive on the music and world design of Titan Quest check out the previous dev diaries:
Music: https://t.co/ubWkEjBdIr
World Design: https://t.co/tkrKph57GA
The Titan Quest II Announcement trailer:

Hearts of Iron IV: Trial of Allegiance Out Now

The horrors of war seem an ocean away, but no major threat can be contained in a shrinking world. The influences of foreign ideologies and international pressure may force distant nations to take an active part in the global struggle against tyranny. Decide the fate of South America in Hearts of Iron IV: Trial of Allegiance, available now.

This content pack for Paradox Interactive’s best-selling grand strategy wargame, players can write new histories of the major nations of South America in years around World War II. You can try to resist the pressure to join a costly conflict overseas, or take your chances with a major power bloc for help in pursuing your own goals.

Features of Hearts of Iron IV: Trial of Allegiance include:

  • National Focus Tree for Brazil: Challenged by a decade of internal strife and constitutional crises, Brazil can follow the historical path as a late but valuable member of the Allied cause. Alternately, seek continental hegemony under a new government with new priorities.
  • National Focus Tree for Argentina: Rife with corruption, revolts and worker unrest, Argentina presents a difficult political challenge. Once you’ve settled the problems at home, you can contribute more on the world stage and help this nation reach its full potential.
  • National Focus Tree for Chile: Chile is a vigorous republic with a radical tradition that must face domestic fascist parties, the embers of ethnic unrest and the imposing influence of the United States. Chart a course of equality and renewal, pick up the banner of uniting the continent under one flag.
  • Paraguay and Uruguay: Minor content as well as several new releasable nations.
  • New Art: New 3D unit sprites for the Brazilian army, as well as new unique 2D art for National Focus trees and units
  • New Music: Six new songs, with two each for the major nations in the pack.
  • New Voiceovers: Voiceovers in Brazilian Portuguese, Argentinian Spanish and Chilean Spanish.

Hearts of Iron IV: Trial of Allegiance is available for the suggested retail price of $14.99/£12.79/€14.99.

A Space for the Unbound Gets Physical & Collector’s Editions on April 2

Serenity Forge (Doki Doki Literature Club Plus!) and the award-winning storytellers at Mojiken today revealed that the anticipated Physical & Collector’s Editions of acclaimed indie hit A Space for the Unbound will be coming to Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 next month on April 2:

Both versions will be available from your favorite retailer and at the Serenity Forge online store: https://store.serenityforge.com/

A Space for the Unbound transports you into late ‘90s rural Indonesia on a journey of self-discovery with high school sweethearts Atma and Raya. The slice-of-life adventure touches on topics of overcoming anxiety and depression through its stunning pixel art style. However, when a mysterious supernatural power is suddenly unleashed upon their town, Atma and Raya must explore and investigate to uncover hidden secrets, face the end of the world and maybe even grow closer together.

The Physical Edition of A Space for the Unbound ($44.99) features:

  • A striking inner cover sheet
  • Clipboard standees of Atma, Raya and, obviously, several cats
  • A washi sticker sheet to make your journaling more exciting and cat friendly
  • A soundtrack download card

A Space for the Unbound’s Collector’s Edition ($99.99) features all of the above extras plus:

  • A gorgeous Collector’s Edition box
  • A massive 254-page artbook filled with exclusive pieces from artist Dimas Novan
  • A stylized brass bookmark
  • A double-sided wooden charm with unique art featuring Atma and Raya
  • Atma and Raya’s journal – featuring a map of Loka Town

Dragon’s Dogma 2 and Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess Details Revealed

During today’s Capcom Highlights video presentation, Capcom conjured new updates on a fantastical pair of action-packed titles launching this year. The show featured the reveal of the “Character Creator & Storage” tool for Dragon’s Dogma™ 2. Beginning today, players can get a head start on designing their Arisen and Main Pawn, both of which can be transferred into the full game when the action RPG makes its highly anticipated arrival on March 22, 2024. The program also showcased an extended look at Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess™, bestowing new details on the strategic action game and its vibrant Japanese-inspired setting ahead of its 2024 release.

Create Your Character in Dragon’s Dogma 2 Today

Dragon’s Dogma 2 director Hideaki Itsuno and producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi joined Capcom Highlights to provide an overview of what players can expect when setting out on their own immersive fantasy adventures. In addition to your party with up to three AI companions known as Pawns, players are encouraged to indulge their curiosity and stretch their creativity when exploring the world of Dragon’s Dogma 2.

From how they resolve quests to the way they interact with characters around them, the decisions players make will not only impact their Arisen’s relationships with other characters, but they will also in turn change the interactions between characters as well. There are often creative solutions to avoid physical altercations, such as passing off an exquisite counterfeit item as the genuine article. Each decision the player makes will impact the complex web of relationships throughout a world filled with over 1000 characters, each with their own objectives and motives.

Itsuno and Hirabayashi also unveiled the “Character Creator & Storage” tool, which can be downloaded for free on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam. This allows players to create five designs for their Arisen and Main Pawn starting today! Those designs will be instantly transferred to the full game when Dragon’s Dogma 2 releases for PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam on March 22, 2024, so players immediately embark upon their journey at launch.

Finally, the duo unveiled plans to release official Capcom support Pawns created by renowned content creators that will be available for other players through the network to join their own adventure, with initial announcements during Capcom Highlights and other participating creators to be revealed in the near future.

Peer Into the Spirit Realm with Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess

Explore a mesmerizing world steeped in Japanese culture and mysticism with the upcoming release of Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess set to launch this year. The single-player action strategy game and newest Capcom IP will test your strategic ability within this mystical action adventure.

Set on a mountain infected with defilement, players will take on the role of Soh, the protagonist tasked with rescuing villagers and purifying their villages on Mount Kafuku along with the Maiden, Yoshiro.

As players journey through Mount Kafuku, they’ll be immersed in dynamic day and night cycles. By day, Soh joins forces with the villagers to prepare for an impending battle. When darkness looms, Soh, the villagers, and Yoshiro confront the Seethe and the Festering Seethe, even more powerful enemies infused with the power of the stolen masks. Harness the power of Tsuba guards, wield dance-like sword techniques, adapt to constantly changing battle conditions, and take advantage of the different villager roles in order to cleanse the mountain. Various roles include:

Woodcutters – Strong villagers who excel at close-range combat.
Archers – Villagers with great accuracy and precision who fight from a distance with their bow and arrows.
Ascetics – Enchanting villagers who use spells to restrain the Seethe.

Brought to life by the power of the RE ENGINE, Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess will be available day one with Xbox Game Pass for console, PC, and Cloud, and on Xbox Series X|S, Windows, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam. Stay tuned for more details as we set players off to embark on an unforgettable clash, filled with strategic challenges and aesthetically immersive gameplay.

Make sure to join us for Capcom Highlights Day 2 on Monday, March 11, 2024 for the latest news from the worlds of Street Fighter™ 6, Monster Hunter Stories™, and Exoprimal™.

Victoria 3 Sphere of Influence Expansion Announced

The rapid technological and societal changes of the Victoria Era allowed empires to compete in new lands with new means. The competition for resources and markets could turn fast friends into bitter rivals, as strong nations fought to extend and secure their power over weaker ones. Preserve and project your own empire in Sphere of Influence, a new expansion pack for Victoria 3, coming May 6, 2024.

Paradox Interactive’s grand strategy simulation takes a diplomatic turn, with Power Blocs at the center of Sphere of Influence. Bully, bribe or befriend other nations in an effort to build a group that can act together towards a common goal. Smaller nations can seek security in a co-operative compact with a greater power, while major nations bring new subjects and middle powers into their orbit.

Historical content in the expansion is dedicated to The Great Game, the nineteenth century competition between the British and Russian Empires for influence and power in Central and South Asia.

House Flipper 2 Spring Update and Console Launch Info

Following the celebrated release of House Flipper 2 in December, Frozen District has now unveiled the game’s Spring update and a new accolades trailer. Additionally, the studio has revised the console edition launch of House Flipper 2 to April 10th. This Spring Update introduces various new interior options, decorative pieces, and a novel task to Pinnacove’s seaside setting. The latest trailer compiles some of the finest feedback from leading industry publications. Catch the trailer below!

Follow the game on Steam (https://store.steampowered.com/app/1190970/House_Flipper_2/) to not miss any news, and add the House Flipper 2 to your wishlist on PlayStation Store (https://store.playstation.com/en-ca/concept/10006545) and Microsoft Store (https://www.xbox.com/en-CA/games/store/house-flipper-2/9n67z2d5phw2) to not miss the launch.

Frozen District has also shifted the console version release of House Flipper 2 from its initial March 21st date to April 10th. This adjustment grants the development team additional time to refine the game for console certification. This ensures that the Spring and April Fool’s Day updates (scheduled for April 1st) are available to console players upon release.

Vermintide 2 Celebrates 6th Anniversary by Opening Versus Alpha to All Game Owners

Today Fatshark celebrated Warhammer: Vermintide 2’s sixth anniversary by opening the doors to their new alpha version of Versus, available to all owners of the game on Steam.

Vermintide 2: Versus allows players a new chance to play in Fatshark’s new PvP+E game mode, with teams featuring the heroes from the beloved Ubersreik Five and Skaven specials.

“For the next test, you will play on a new map, see the addition of premium careers, get kick and mute options, see a match score screen, and Versus specific menu settings,” said Joakim Setterberg, Design Director for Vermintide 2. “We’re also aiming to do the next test directly in the Vermintide game and not on a testing app, and for this reason, we’re adding a title screen, just like for consoles, with shortcuts to Adventure, Chaos Wastes, and Versus.”

Versus is an asymmetric 4v4 PvP+E game mode that pits the Ubersreik Five against AI enemies and up to 4 player-controlled Skaven specials. Teams switch sides, competing for points over multiple sections and rounds.

In addition, all platforms will participate in the game’s annual anniversary challenges, featuring a special map for adventure mode, and a new portrait frame for players to kit out their characters.

The anniversary event and Steam-only Versus alpha test runs March 7 to March 18 for all owners of Warhammer: Vermintide 2.

Netflix Announces Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson

Netflix and Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) today announced their first-ever partnership in a heavyweight boxing mega-event headlined by The Problem Child, Jake “El Gallo” Paul (9-1, 6 KOs) vs. the Baddest Man on the Planet, Mike Tyson (50-6, 44 KOs). Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson will stream live globally, exclusively on Netflix on Saturday, July 20, 2024 from the 80,000-seat capacity AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys. 

Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson marks Jake Paul’s most-anticipated fight to date and his second fight of 2024 following back-to-back sensational knockouts against professional boxers and Golden Glove winners Ryan Bourland this past Saturday, March 2 and Andre August in December 2023. Paul has shown tremendous growth as a boxer on his path to becoming a world champion, but now will take on one of the best and most dangerous boxers of all time in Mike Tyson.

“It’s crazy to think that in my second pro fight, I went viral for knocking out Nate Robinson on Mike Tyson’s undercard. Now, less than four years later, I’m stepping up to face Tyson myself to see if I have what it takes to beat one of boxing’s most notorious fighters and biggest icons,” said Jake Paul. “Within just two and a half years of founding MVP, we’re about to produce the biggest fight in history, a fight in the biggest NFL stadium in the US, broadcast live, on the biggest streaming platform in the world – a testament to all we’ve accomplished in such a short amount of time. Whether you’re tuning in on Netflix or showing out in person, whether you’re team Paul or team Tyson, or whether you’re a lifelong boxing fan or watching your first fight, you’re not going to want to miss this event. I could not be more excited to make this amazing fight available to all Netflix subscribers alongside the hardest hitter of all time, Mike Tyson, on Saturday, July 20th. My sights are set on becoming a world champion, and now I have a chance to prove myself against the greatest heavyweight champion ever, the baddest man on the planet and the most dangerous boxer of all time. This will be the fight of a lifetime.”

Mike Tyson, the legendary former undisputed world heavyweight champion, is one of the biggest stars the sport of boxing has ever seen. The “Baddest Man on the Planet” is recognized as one of the greatest fighters of all time, ESPN’s #1 hardest hitter in heavyweight history, and the youngest heavyweight champion ever at just 20 years old. His explosive power and ferocious fighting style led to a staggering run of 37 consecutive victories, with 33 of those wins coming by knockout.

“I’m very much looking forward to stepping into the ring with Jake Paul at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas,” said Mike Tyson. “He’s grown significantly as a boxer over the years, so it will be a lot of fun to see what the will and ambition of a ‘kid’ can do with the experience and aptitude of a GOAT.  It’s a full circle moment that will be beyond thrilling to watch; as I started him on his boxing journey on the undercard of my fight with Roy Jones and now I plan to finish him.”

Since establishing MVP in 2021, Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul have disrupted combat sports, producing some of the world’s biggest events, making history in women’s boxing and giving a new platform to young fighters. Partnering with Netflix to bring Paul vs Tyson to audiences worldwide is a strategic decision to ensure this once in a lifetime event that connects six generations of sports fans is distributed globally to hundreds of millions of fans.

“Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson is a once in a lifetime dream matchup and we hope it will be the most-watched boxing event in modern boxing history,” said Nakisa Bidarian, founder of Most Valuable Promotions. “Partnering with Netflix for this deal presents an unparalleled opportunity to bring Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson to the world on an unprecedented scale and we look forward to delivering this incredible clash of two of sports biggest names. Six generations of boxing fans will have a stake in the outcome and will be able to watch an anti-hero, Jake Paul, put it all on the line  against the baddest man on the planet, Mike Tyson. Thank you to Netflix for their vision and trust in MVP to put on this historic event.”

Netflix is the premier home for great sports entertainment with hits like Untold that featured Jake Paul the Problem Child episode last year, along with Formula 1: Drive To Survive, Full Swing, NASCAR: Full Speed, Quarterback, Tour de France: Unchained, Under Pressure: The U.S. Women’s World Cup Team and Six Nations: Full Contact. And beginning in 2025, Netflix will become the new home of WWE Raw. Paul vs. Tyson will be Netflix’s third live sports event, following The Netflix Cup and The Netflix Slam. 

“Mike Tyson is one of the biggest icons in boxing history and Jake Paul is one of the biggest disruptors in boxing history,” said Gabe Spitzer, Vice President, Nonfiction Sports, Netflix. “Saturday, July 20 will be pure drama in the ring in Texas. We are thrilled to partner with Most Valuable Promotions for this historic event and we can’t wait for these two to face off for fans all across the world on Netflix.”

Additional information, including the co-main event and undercards, will be announced at a later date. For the opportunity to sign up for presale tickets, click here.

Six Flags Great Adventure Resort Kicks Off 50th Anniversary Season on March 16

Six Flags Great Adventure Resort announces the commencement of its 50th anniversary season on March 16. Marking the most substantial investment in nearly two decades, this milestone year introduces an array on new experiences and park enhancements, encompassing retail, dining and aesthetic upgrades across all three resort properties – Six Flags Great Adventure and Wild Safari and Six Flags Hurricane Harbor. Notably, the theme park will be adding its’ 15th roller coaster with the launch of THE FLASHÔ: Vertical Velocity. And, the destination will be making history with the opening of Savannah Sunset Resort and Spa located right in the middle of one of the largest safaris outside Africa.

Six Flags Great Adventure, The World’s Ultimate Thrill Park, will open weekends beginning March 16 before opening daily for Spring Break March 28-April 7. Guests should come ready to ride record-breaking roller coasters including Kingda Ka, and fan favorites like NitroEl Toro, the Jersey Devil Coaster. There will be plenty of milder thrills too, with two areas dedicated specifically to junior thrill-seekers.

In celebration of it’s 50th anniversary, the Wild Safari park will open March 30 with an all new Safari Base Camp. This completely reimagined location at the Wild Safari entrance/exit allows guests to experience the Safari Off Road Adventure outside of the theme park. Off-road vehicles with a driver and guide will take guests on an immersive and informative safari tour. The area also includes retail and dining locations, a children’s play area, animal experiences and more.

“Six Flags Great Adventure Resort remains committed to innovation and thrilling adventures, blending the present with a nod to our 50-year history,” says Park President Brian Bacica. “Whether it’s a guest’s first visit or their 50th, everyone, regardless of their thrill level, will discover new attractions, enhanced park features, exciting events and nostalgic highlights within our resort destination.”

Spring theme park enhancements and experiences include:

  • *NEW* Dream Street Pathway – In celebration of the park’s 50-year anniversary, guests are invited to become part of the adventure by purchasing an anniversary brick and keepsake. These inscribed bricks will adorn a new pathway located at the theme park’s original entrance;
  • Enhanced Retail and Dining Experiences – 
    • Retail Remodels & Rethemes– Mainstreet Market and Thrillseekers shops received upgrades while two favorites, Fright Fest Fanatics and Holiday Memories, are now available to shop all season;

·        Restaurant Upgrades – Best of the West Grill & Saloon, Main Street Pub, Kickin’ Chicken Sports Bar, Funnel Cake Factory and Yum Yum Café will showcase new looks with upgraded interiors;

·        *NEW* Signature Beverage & Food Options – Premium and signature cocktails will be available across the park and three new Roller Coaster Coffee locations will proudly serve Starbucks®. Sweat Treats (formerly Sweet Cakes) will now offer delectable treats like crepes and gelato. The park will also expand gluten-free options at Primos Pizza;

  • Updated Toll Plaza & Parking Areas – Speedy Parking allows registered guests to breeze through the toll plaza before parking in newly designated parking areas including preferred sections and car charging stations at both the water park and theme park;
  • Reimagined Safari Off Road Adventure –Starting March 30 guests can once again embark on an unforgettable tour through a 350-acre Wild Safari embarking from Frontier Station.

Coming during the 50th anniversary season:

  • *NEW* THE FLASHTM: Vertical Velocity – Presented in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Themed Entertainment and DC, the first triple-launch super boomerang coaster to open in North America rushes forward and backward at nearly 60 miles per hour through a 180-degree twisted drop and zero-G roll;
  • *NEW* Splash Island – Hurricane Harbor opens May 18 with Splash Island, a family centric area that boasts a new tree-house play structure and seven slides geared for little splash-seekers;
  • *NEW* Savannah Sunset Resort and Spa – Open for bookings starting June 14, guests can stay overnight within the Wild Safari with a first-class, once-in-a-lifetime safari glamping experience in the heart of New Jersey;
  • *NEW* Six Flags Adventure World – Pop in along the Dream Street Pathway for Six Flags essentials;
  • *NEW* THE FLASHTM Store – THE FLASHTM store will feature all of fan favorites to commemorate the thrilling, new ride experience;
  • Nostalgic Enhancements – The Sawmill Log Flume and Giant Wheel (formerly Big Wheel) will receive upgrades while Congo Rapids returns to its original namesake, Roaring Rapids.

Thrilling event schedule:

  • Spring Break – March 28 – April 7
  • *NEW* 50th Anniversary Celebration – Memorial Day through Labor Day enjoy character experiences and special entertainment throughout the park;
  • Pride Night – A celebration of the LGBTQ+ community with a thrilling day of rides, music, special events and activities followed by an evening of dancing and entertainment;
  • July 4th Fireworks – Celebrate the biggest holiday of the summer with spectacular fireworks presented by Coca-Cola;
  • Oktoberfest – Enjoy German inspired cuisine and treats, fall themed décor, musical entertainment and delicious cold brews;
  • Boo Fest – Celebrate the Halloween season with younger thrill seekers offering a variety of activities including trick-or-treating;
  • Fright Fest – Weekends in the fall, be thrilled by the terror of haunted houses, scare zones, spooky entertainment and more;
  • Veterans Weekend – Honoring veterans and their service to our country with special exclusive activities and discounts for veterans and their families;
  • Holiday in the Park – A magical experience with millions of glittering lights, dazzling holiday entertainment, delicious seasonal treats and more.

The best way to experience the Six Flags Great Adventure Resort is with a Season Pass. Pass Holders receive exclusive benefits, including access to multiple parks, and discounts on food and merchandise, starting as low as $13/month after initial payment.

The Six Flags Great Adventure Resort properties are hiring for the 2024 season. More than 10 diverse departments are hiring, with most wages ranging from $15 to $20 per hour. Applicants must be at least 14 years old. Interested applicants can text FUN to 732-307-6688, log on to www.sixflagsjobs.com or visit the Employment Center daily from 11 am to 7 pm. The Six Flags Great Adventure Employment Center is located at 1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson, NJ, next to 607 Monmouth Road, Cream Ridge, NJ, approximately ½ mile west of the main park entrance.